Fisherman Suffers Suspicious Bite

A Hampton man was rescued from a fishing boat in waters near Virginia Beach on Wednesday morning after complications from a bite.

The 43-year-old man was picked up by a Coast Guard crew about 10 a.m. and taken to Lynnhaven Fishing Pier, where an ambulance rescue crew drove him to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital.

The man told Coast Guard rescuers that he thought a snakehead fish may have bitten him, said Petty Officer Tim Pike, a Coast Guard spokesman.

Four snakehead fish -- which are native to Asia and Africa -- have been found in the Potomac River or its tributaries in the past 11 days in Virginia and Maryland.

Scientists are concerned that the aggressive predator fish could wipe out native fish species and may be spawning in the Potomac. Snakehead fish are sold in this country as pets and in Asian markets for eating, but are banned in 13 states.

The fish can use its fins to move around on land and live out of water for up to three days.

Pike said the Hampton man was apparently bitten on his right index finger two days ago, which caused his hand to swell to twice its normal size. Hospital officials said the man, who was in fair condition after arriving at the hospital, was in the process of being admitted Wednesday evening. He could not be reached for comment.